49ERS at SEAHAWKS
8:15 p.m., Niners by 3, 49
HANK’S HONEYS: What in the name of the late, great Bill Walsh is going on with the 49ers? Their defense is lacking in the speed and aggressiveness they have displayed over the last two seasons. Injuries have certainly played their part, but they have been totally unable to close out games. Meanwhile, the Seahawks were caught in a sandwich spot against the Giants and sleep-walked through the entire game, their O-line leaving Gene Smith to the mercy of the Big Blue pass rush. But if anyone is going to bounce back from Sunday’s horror shows, it’s probably the Niners. It’s a short week and Seattle’s new coaching staff isn’t familiar with Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Take a look at the Seahawks’ schedule and, outside of the Lions, whom they couldn’t stop, they’ve played the Broncos, Patriots, Dolphins and Giants, hardly a murderer’s row and none of them equal to the 49ers’ talent level. Several advanced stats rank the Niners near the top of the league in several offensive categories and you know Shanahan will get the running game going against a defense that allowed 185 ground yards to the hapless Pats and 175 yards to the Jints. They’ve had some bad luck and that could be about to turn. Last year’s six-game win streak began with a blowout over the Jags following a three-game losing streak, and in 2022 a 3-4 start led to a 10-game win streak. Geno Smith has been playing very well but can he keep up with Brock Purdy? As for the 12th Man, he’s just as loud as ever but nowhere near as effective. Last week’s game bucked the trend of Thursday night games going under but both teams are playing better on the offensive side of the ball. The number is below 50, the normal shootout level, and, with neither D scaring you, it’s an over bet.
9ers head coach Kyle Shanahan[/caption]
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: 49ers and the over.
